For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America聽
鈥� In the United States and Canada, the Arginine Price Index fell by ~13.9% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by ample supply and weak industrial offtake.
鈥� The average Arginine price for the quarter was approximately USD 2,950/MT for CFR East Coast North America imports (conservative estimate based on regional spreads).
鈥� Arginine Spot Price softened as export enquiries and domestic purchasing slowed, keeping the Price Index under downward pressure.
鈥� Arginine Price Forecast points to limited near-term upside given persistent inventory overhang and muted demand from feed, nutraceutical and pharma formulators.
鈥� Arginine Production Cost Trend showed some pressure from higher corn/precursor prices in parts of North America, but processing efficiencies and steady plant run-rates limited cost pass-through.
鈥� High regional and global inventories pressured seller pricing, prompting discounts to stimulate spot buying.
鈥� Arginine Demand Outlook remains subdued as downstream processors draw inventories and delay discretionary replenishment ahead of year-end planning.
鈥� Logistics continuity and regular shipments from major producers reduced short-term volatility, maintaining accessible spot availability for buyers.
Why did the price of Arginine change in September 2025 in North America?
鈥� Ongoing exporter and domestic plant output combined with large inventories increased supply relative to demand, weighing on prices.
鈥� Softer offtake from feed, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors reduced spot buying, further depressing the Price Index.
鈥� Slight increases in precursor costs were largely absorbed by producers; thus price declines were driven mainly by demand imbalance and competitive offers.鈥�
APAC
鈥� In China, the Arginine Price Index fell by 14.69% quarter-over-quarter, driven by ample supply and weak demand.
鈥� The average Arginine price for the quarter was USD 2893.67/MT, reflecting subdued export and domestic offtake.
鈥� Arginine Spot Price remained pressured as export inquiries softened, keeping the Price Index under downward pressure.
鈥� Arginine Price Forecast points to limited upside given muted Demand Outlook and persistent inventory overhang.
鈥� Arginine Production Cost Trend showed pressure from corn input, but efficiencies prevented significant cost-driven increases.
鈥� High global inventories pressured Arginine Price Index as sellers discounted offers to stimulate spot buying.
鈥� Downstream sectors' cautious procurement shaped the Arginine Demand Outlook, constraining any meaningful Price Forecast uptick.
鈥� Logistics stability and plant operations kept Arginine Spot Price accessible, limiting volatility despite weak interest.
鈥� Producers maintained regular run-rates, reflecting Arginine Production Cost Trend resilience amid balanced feedstock and margins.
Why did the price of Arginine change in September 2025 in APAC?
鈥� Persistent high inventories and continuous plant output created supply pressure, weakening September regional price momentum.
鈥� Subdued offtake from nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors reduced demand, leaving exporters to compete on price.
鈥� Stable logistics and sufficient feedstock prevented cost inflation, so downward moves were driven by demand imbalance.
Europe
鈥� In Germany, the Arginine Price Index fell by 14.74% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting weakened demand.
鈥� The average Arginine price for the quarter was approximately USD 2992.33/MT, indicating import market equilibrium.
鈥� Arginine Spot Price weakened as Arginine Price Index signalled oversupply, prompting exporters to reduce offers.
鈥� Arginine Production Cost Trend stayed steady as precursor availability kept processing margins stable across exporters.
鈥� Arginine Demand Outlook stays muted short-term with formulators drawing inventories and postponing discretionary replenishment decisions.
鈥� Arginine Price Forecast indicates limited upside near term, with range-bound trading until seasonal procurement resumes.
鈥� Arginine Price Index deterioration reflected competitive export offers and comfortable German stocks, pressuring seller margins.
鈥� Major producers operated normally, supporting supply continuity across European import pipelines and scheduled shipments consistently.
Why did the price of Arginine change in September 2025 in Europe?
鈥� Sustained exporter output and uninterrupted precursor shipments expanded supply, weighing on prices amid weak uptake.
鈥� Buyers drew down inventories and delayed replenishment, reducing spot demand and limiting upward price pressure.
鈥� Higher freight and firmer euro increased landed costs but failed to offset exporters trimming offers.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
鈥� Latest spot prices for Arginine ranged between USD 3,400鈥�3,500/MT during Q2 2025 in North America and showed a minor dip in May before stabilizing by the end of June.
鈥� Fermentation input costs and energy tariffs remained largely unchanged that kept the production cost structures stable across domestic manufacturers in North America.
鈥� The buyer activity was subdued in April and May as most stakeholders leaned on existing inventories. However, June has witnessed a procurement resurgence from pharmaceutical and sports-nutrition sectors gearing up for Q3 production cycles.
鈥� Import volumes and inland distribution remained steady and uninterrupted throughout Q2, allowing seamless fulfilment of long-term contracts across regional hubs.
鈥� Inventory levels were strategically maintained, with coverage averaging 3鈥�4 weeks by end-June. This avoided bulk spot procurement and kept short-term pricing rangebound.
鈥� A modest price increase of +0.5鈥�1.5% is anticipated in July, supported by seasonal replenishment activity linked to fitness-related formulations and consistent offtake in clinical and wellness-focused applications.
Europe
鈥� The prices for Arginine fluctuated between USD 3,085鈥�3,535/MT during Q2 2025 in Europe and witnessed a brief correction in mid-June before posting a firm recovery by the quarter鈥檚 close.
鈥� Fermentation output and energy inputs remained stable across key European production hubs, ensuring steady supply without experiencing abrupt cost fluctuations.
鈥� Buyers from pharmaceutical, functional food, and supplement industries鈥攑articularly in Germany and the Benelux region鈥攈eld lean inventory positions during early Q2, prompting a noticeable restocking phase by mid-June.
鈥� Import volumes continued moving smoothly through major entry points; however, elevated Asia鈥揈urope freight rates in late Q2 introduced marginal cost-side stress, slightly tightening supplier margins.
鈥� Market sentiment improved in June as buyers resumed forward bookings for Q3 requirements, showing moderate willingness to absorb mild price increments in exchange for assured coverage.
鈥� A 1鈥�2% price increase is projected for July, driven by normalized procurement rhythms and active demand from wellness-linked formulations and functional nutrition categories.
Asia Pacific (China-centric FOB Market)
鈥� Latest spot prices for Arginine in Asia-Pacific region was assessed at USD 3,648/MT in early April that declined to USD 3,470 in May and which dipped further to USD 3,430 in early June. The prices eventually stabilized near USD 3,000/MT by the end of June 2025.
鈥� Production economics remained stable as major Chinese manufacturers maintained consistent access to fermentation feedstock and operated under steady electricity tariffs throughout Q2.
鈥� Export demand held firm, with continuous order flow from nutraceutical and pharmaceutical buyers. June saw a pickup in overseas restocking activity, cushioning the impact of earlier price softness.
鈥� Coastal inventories adjusted to a balanced 20鈥�30 day coverage by mid-June, correcting the oversupplied posture seen earlier in the quarter and contributing to overall price normalization.
鈥� Leading Chinese suppliers strategically refrained from aggressive discounting, enforcing tighter price discipline and reinforcing a firmer pricing baseline for upcoming contracts.
鈥� A +0.5鈥�1.5% price rise is projected for July, underpinned by renewed momentum from upcoming wellness-focused product launches, steady offtake from international supplement brands, and moderate procurement interest linked to early festive season inventory planning.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In North America, L-Arginine prices showed a controlled and steady trend during the first quarter. The region moved from winter to early spring and this affected buying behaviour in health-related sectors. Since the product is widely used in food and dietary supplements, most buyers had already stocked up in the previous quarter. This led to lower fresh demand during the first quarter of 2025.
There were also discussions about tariff adjustments and trade policy reviews early in the year. This made buyers more cautious in how they planned their purchases. Many chose to rely on inventory already in place rather than increasing orders. Suppliers responded by maintaining stable pricing and ensuring timely delivery.
The overall market remained calm and well-balanced. Although there was no sharp movement in price levels, the market showed signs of waiting for stronger demand in the coming months. The steady situation in North America reflected a phase of careful buying, consistent supply and seasonal slowdown in usage.
Asia Pacific
In the Asia Pacific region, the market for L-Arginine showed a soft tone in the first quarter of 2025. The quarter covered the winter to summer transition which played a role in shaping demand. L-Arginine is used in health supplements and fortified foods, especially during colder months when consumers focus more on immunity and wellness. As the region moved towards warmer months demand in the nutraceutical and food sectors eased slightly. Buyers had already secured stocks during the end of last year, which resulted in slower purchasing activity in the first quarter.
Regional manufacturers continued operations without major interruptions. Logistics remained smooth and suppliers maintained steady output. The Chinese Lunar New Year in February also had a short-term impact on production and trade movement. However, this was well anticipated by buyers who adjusted their inventory planning accordingly. Overall, prices in the Asia Pacific market moved down gently. This was mostly due to lower seasonal demand and the strategic way buyers handled their procurement.
Europe
During the first quarter of 2025, L-Arginine prices in Europe showed a clear downward movement. The product is mainly used in nutraceuticals and functional food formulations across the region. With the transition from winter to spring, consumer demand for such supplements tends to soften. This seasonal shift affected purchasing patterns across several downstream segments. Manufacturers and buyers in Europe appeared to respond with caution. Inventory levels were already maintained well during the winter months, which left less urgency for immediate restocking during the new quarter. Strategic procurement in earlier months further reduced active buying in January and February.
The region also witnessed steady logistics and timely supply from key exporting countries. This smooth flow of material prevented any upward pressure on prices. The general economic environment in Europe also showed signs of subdued consumer activity during this quarter. This indirectly impacted health-related purchases, including L-Arginine-based supplements. Although Germany reflected a more visible dip in prices, the trend across wider European countries appeared to align with similar market sentiments. The overall European market remained stable in supply but leaned toward lower demand which kept prices on a softer trajectory.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Arginine prices in the USA experienced a steady decline, influenced by a mix of economic uncertainty, weak demand, and changing market conditions. October saw the initial drop, primarily due to inflation concerns, reduced consumer confidence, and a cautious approach by businesses responding to potential economic changes.聽
In November, the market continued its downward trend, aided by a stronger US dollar, which reduced import costs, along with improved logistics and ample inventories. These factors allowed suppliers to offer more competitive pricing, contributing to the price reduction. The decline persisted into December, as consumer confidence further weakened, demand softened during the holiday season, and inflationary pressures created caution in the market. In response, suppliers focused on clearing excess inventory, anticipating potential strikes and tariff uncertainties, ensuring a steady supply that kept downward pressure on prices.聽
Overall, Q4 2024 saw a consistent decrease in Arginine prices in the USA, driven by a combination of economic uncertainty, cautious market sentiment, and favorable supply conditions, which allowed suppliers to remain competitive and adjust pricing strategies accordingly.
Asia Pacific
In Q4 2024, Arginine prices in China experienced a steady decline, influenced by a combination of domestic and international factors. In October, the drop in prices was driven by weak domestic demand and a surplus in supply, leading to fierce competition among suppliers. The geopolitical uncertainties surrounding the U.S. elections further dampened international demand, compounding the price decline. By November, the situation worsened with a slowdown in domestic pharmaceutical demand, high distributor inventories, and continued oversupply. Cautious market sentiment, fueled by global economic uncertainties, along with weak demand from key international markets like the U.S. and Europe鈥攑articularly due to concerns about potential tariffs鈥攁dded additional downward pressure. The decline in crude oil prices also reduced operational costs for manufacturers, allowing them to lower their prices. December saw the continuation of this downward trend, as China鈥檚 disinflation and reduced consumer demand further slowed purchasing activity. The weaker foreign demand during the holiday season, coupled with excess stock, prompted suppliers to adjust their pricing strategies to remain competitive.聽 Overall, the decline in Arginine prices during Q4 2024 was primarily due to oversupply, reduced domestic and international demand, geopolitical factors, and the broader economic slowdown.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Arginine prices in Germany experienced a consistent decline, primarily driven by a range of economic factors. In October, cautious consumer spending鈥攕temming from ongoing inflation concerns鈥攁long with a significant reduction in shipping container prices, created a softer market environment. This led to an adequate supply of Arginine, and businesses adapting their logistics strategies helped stabilize prices to an extent. As the quarter progressed into November, the downward pressure on prices intensified. Weak demand from key end-sectors, fading inflation concerns, and a decrease in energy prices all contributed to the continued price decline. Additionally, weak retail performance and a sharp drop in consumer spending in Germany played a role in the overall market slowdown. By December, several factors compounded the downward trend. Hesitant buying behavior, a weakened euro, high inventory levels, and logistical disruptions from adverse weather conditions contributed to the ongoing price reduction. With reduced purchasing activity, inflationary concerns, and uncertainty around potential price volatility, the market remained subdued. Suppliers, aiming to clear stock before the new year, adjusted pricing to remain competitive. Overall, Q4 2024 was characterized by a cautious and price-sensitive market, with several macroeconomic pressures driving Arginine prices down throughout the quarter.
